Review of A Dandy in Aspic (1968) by Mike P — 12 Nov 2009

Well, it is true I had high expectations of this movie, but I could never have believed to be this impressed. Anybody interested in watching a really good British spy thriller from the sixties should be recommended â??A Dandy in Aspicâ?? (1968) by Anthony Mann, starring Laurence Harvey, Tom Courtenay, Mia Farrow, Harry Andrews, Lionel Stander, and many others.

When I read the plot synopsis in advance, I thought it would be too complicated to be watchable. I realized convoluted plots are inherent to the genre, but this seemed to be pushing it too far. Not so, or rather it does, but it is so well directed, with such a nice flow to the events that it just doesnâ??t show.

The sequence of events is so elegant and transparent that the understanding of the viewer is never hampered. And on the way, we get lovely views of London and West-Berlin. This time it is clear that no studio shots were used (which is also mentioned in the final credits).

â??A Dandy in Aspicâ?? is British is the proper sense: it does have the agreeable sides (European sightseeing, men in bowler hats and umbrellas, posh British accents with matching insufferable attitudes), but lacks the drawbacks (no cheapish décor, no overtly hostile view of the Russians â?? after all, we are to sympathize with a double agent).

Other positive elements: Mia Farrow as an adorable sixties style icon (though relevant to the story), cleverly constructed dialogue with lots of witty puns and repartee elements (innumerous examples), good use of music (cheerfully contemporary, but ominous whenever needed), the intro with the puppet on a string getting entangled in the end (great symbolism), the denouement and the final scene attached to it.

The final shot is both graphically intriguing and insightful â?? it wraps everything up very smoothly, without the viewer being alerted in advance. I could easily elaborate on the plot, but it would spoil it at the same time.

If I have understood the title correctly, even that deserves a compliment (= a secret agent is like a chic gentleman, living in elegant circumstances that do however feel oppressive from time to time â?? one can feel trapped like in luxury jelly, like one would in a golden cage â?? the main character is anxious to get out of it all, even before he becomes a potential suspect).

This movie is a great achievement and a credit to British cinematic history.